In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the topic of depression and whether or not psychedelic medicine can help treat it. They discuss the following: depression and suicidal ideation, ketamine treatment for depression, the qualities to look for in a professional helper, and much more.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Reid Robison sits down with The Dales Report to discuss his involvement in a number of studies involving ketamine and other drugs that target the same mechanisms. Many of the questions he’s asked along the way focus on safety considerations and optimal conditions for treatment.
While classic psychedelics work towards FDA approval, global drug developers are moving beyond traditional plant medicines to focus their attention on the creation of novel “precision psychedelics”, compounds with shorter trips, less side effects, and, in some cases, no hallucinogenic component. Researchers are hopeful their efforts will increase access and scalability of psychedelic treatment. “I try to think of my mom,” one COMPASS chemist explains. “If she had to have this medication, what would I want for her as an ideal compound and ideal experience?”
100,000 overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. between April 2020 and April 2021. Despite the steady rise of overdose deaths in the U.S. over the last two decades, the latest data raises an alarm about the increased need for substance use disorder prevention and treatment. Novamind recently announced plans to develop an innovative substance use disorder program. We’re also hosting a clinical trial for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy + mindfulness for opioid use disorder. Read about it here.
We are pleased to announce that, further to our press release dated December 23, 2021, we have closed our acquisition of Arizona-based Foundations for Change, Inc., a mental health practice specialized in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the team from Foundations,” commented Novamind CEO and Director, Yaron Conforti. “The Acquisition is an exciting opportunity for Novamind to expand the reach of our clinic network, bringing our model for innovative mental healthcare to a new market in Arizona.”
With the closing of the Acquisition, Foundations founder Jeff Edelman, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, assumes the role of Medical Director at the Peoria and Phoenix clinic locations.
Mr. Edelman commented: “Joining Novamind is the right fit for our team and aligns with our mission to provide innovative and compassionate mental healthcare. I would like to thank our patients, partners and community for their ongoing support over the years. We look forward to integrating our team and operations with Novamind and benefiting from its deep expertise and infrastructure as we continue to serve a growing patient population.”
We are pleased to announce our participation in Citi’s Psychedelic Drug Video Call Series to be held virtually on January 25, 2022.
Neena Bitritto-Garg, Vice President Research Analyst, Biotech, at Citi, will host Novamind’s Chief Executive Officer, Yaron Conforti and Chief Medical Officer, Reid Robison, MD, MBA, for a fireside chat at 10:00 AM ET.
“Novamind has an established track record as a leader in commercializing psychedelic medicine and other innovative mental health therapies through a growing network of clinics and hosting an exciting pipeline of clinical trials for major drug developers,” said Mr. Conforti. “I look forward to introducing Citi’s clients to Novamind and expanding our relationships with a global base of institutional investors.”
To register for the call, please contact your Citi representative directly.
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore whether or not psychedelic medicine can change your personality. They discuss the following: alter states for altered traits, “ego” and how psychedelic medicine can lead to personality changes, and much more.
In the latest issue of Mental Health Weekly, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Reid Robison discusses the benefits and barriers of psychedelic treatment and weighs in on the progress of MDMA & psilocybin research and legislative activities in the US.
Perceptions on the potential of psilocybin therapy are shifting in the medical community, according to a recent COMPASS Pathways-sponsored survey. “Severe mental illnesses, such as treatment-resistant depression, have affected too many people in society for too long. Physicians are looking for new approaches to accelerate the healing process, particularly for patients for whom current therapies have failed.”
A new study by Jay Nair and colleagues from MAPS PBC tries to answer the question of how psychedelic substances will be produced. This is an important step and still, “Many open questions remain about the legal framework that needs to materialize, who will distribute the medicines, and who will be qualified to provide the treatment.” Dr. Robison sat down with Mental Health Weekly for similar conversation.
Lucid News’ Itzhak Beery explores the role of shamanism in Western medicine. “Some psychotherapists feel pressured to offer this type of healing to their clients, who have heard about these magical treatments and hope for a short cut to relief. Most facilitators do not acknowledge the element of spirit or the unseen world.” We’ve also explored this question (and more) in a previous episode of the Psychedelic Frontiers Podcast. Listen to it again here.
In this episode, Dr. Steve Thayer, Dr. Reid Robison, and Vhari Macbeth discuss the concept of the self, multiple “selves”, and how we work with “selfhood” in psychedelic therapy.
Novamind has completed the sale of its investment in the Synthesis Institute, a strategic decision that enables Novamind to focus on the expansion of its network of clinics and clinical research sites located in the U.S.
“Novamind has experienced rapid growth in its two core businesses,” said Yaron Conforti, Chief Executive Officer and Director. “We’ve established a unique and scalable business model that serves clients at our clinics and drug developers at our research sites. We are now exclusively focused on the continued growth of our clinic and contract research organization businesses, with near-term expansion into other U.S. states and an exciting pipeline of clinical trials.”
New research indicates that ketamine, in combination with light, may be able to temporarily restore our brains back to the plasticity seen in critical growth periods. More research is needed, but initial studies are promising. “Whether or not ketamine and/or flickering light could enable temporary neural plasticity in other parts of the brain, perhaps to treat language disorders or learning disabilities, is also “an intriguing possibility and would need further experiments,” Siegert added.” We look forward to further research exploring the life changing potential of ketamine.
Zoe Cormier explores the benefits and costs of psychedelic therapy models—group vs solo. Strong anecdotal evidence is provided for the group therapy model. In practice, a case can be made for both, which is why the treatment protocols available at our Cedar Psychiatry clinics include group and solo participation. You can learn more about them here.
Where other treatments for depression have failed, ketamine has changed lives. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Reid Robison spoke to Leafly about how ketamine is changing mental healthcare.
“Ketamine is now emerging as a powerful catalyst to accelerate the healing and recovery process in individuals suffering from a wide array of mental health symptoms.”
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer, Vhari MacBeth, and Derick Moody explore the curious phenomenon of self-sabotage.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha DeLenardo as Vice President, Communications to lead Novamind’s communications, marketing and investor relations.
“At Novamind, we care deeply about the clients and families we serve,” said DeLenardo. “We are prepared to meet this transformative moment for psychedelics and mental health, thanks in large part to the courage and years of advocacy by people with lived expertise and medical practitioners. Novamind understands both the responsibility and opportunity before us, and I look forward to sharing the Company’s story with the world.”
In a big step forward for psychedelics, Usona Institute announced the groundbreaking of a Global Center in Psychedelic Science. The campus will “support a blend of disciplines in psychedelic science and education.” It’s another example of momentum building around the truly extraordinary therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
Words have not been minced. CEO Spencer Hawkswell comments on the current exemptions for the terminally ill in Canada, “We are going to be lobbying hard to get those regulations set into law to make sure that Canadians can realize their rights to psilocybin.” We look forward to that access expanding to all Canadians.
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison, Dr. Steve Thayer, and Derick Moody, discuss the art and science of psychedelic trip-sitting.
Gaining insurance coverage for off-label ketamine treatment of depression could help exponentially more people in their healing journeys. Off-label medicine isn’t covered by insurance.
“Our health care system does acknowledge and allow us to use medicines off-label. Probably 20 percent or more of all prescriptions are given that way.” – Novamind Chief Medical Officer Dr. Reid Robison
We are pleased to announce the completed the construction of a new clinic focused on integrative psychiatric care and clinical research in Draper, Utah. With the opening of the New Clinic, Novamind is on track to open four new locations in Utah by September 2021, doubling the size of its network to eight clinics.
“We are on a mission to reduce suffering and optimize wellness and are committed to shaping the future of psychedelic medicine in a responsible and accessible way,” said Dr. Reid Robison, Novamind’s Chief Medical Officer.
In an article for Harvard Health, Peter Grinspoon, MD, covers how psychedelics work, evidence for using psychedelics medicinally and the pros and cons. It’s an interesting read given his personal history with psychedelics, which dates back to when he was 14 and reading “Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered.” He remembers the book urging “an open-minded reappraisal about the therapeutic potential of this class of drugs.” Anyone involved in psychedelics knows that not all conversations on the topic are open-minded. It’s why part of the mission to provide safe, legal access to psychedelics also includes an educational component. The more we can destigmatize psychedelics, the faster we can continue to push the renaissance forward.
Have you ever wondered what psychedelic therapy looks like? This article provides an insight into that process. “You don’t just get thrown into it,” (Jennifer) Mitchell says. “It’s not Burning Man or something. It’s very thoughtful.” And it’s something we take very seriously at our Cedar Psychiatry clinics. We recently posted a blog about psychedelics and safety considerations. Read it here.
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison, Dr. Steve Thayer, and Derick Moody, PA-C discuss whether or not the mystical experience caused by many psychedelic medicines is a necessary factor for the healing they promote.
Microdose covers ketamine’s history as an off-label treatment for depression, the FDA approval of Spravatoᵀᴹ (esketamine) and what the future looks like for these drugs. CEO Yaron Conforti and CMO Dr. Reid Robison were both interviewed for the article.
“Cost and accessibility are universal challenges we face in our healthcare system, and these will also apply to psilocybin, MDMA, and nearly every drug that comes to market, at least during the initial years of patent exclusivity,” said Robison.
We are pleased to announce that our wholly owned subsidiary, Cedar Clinical Research has been selected as a research site for a study titled “A phase IIb, randomized, double blind, two arm study to investigate the effects of BNC210 tablet formulation compared to placebo in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder”.
“This clinical trial leverages CCR’s established track record studying novel treatments for PTSD and other difficult to treat mental health conditions.” said Dr. Reid Robison, Chief Medical Officer of Novamind.
Larger and stronger neural connections. According to new research out of Yale, it’s all about the increased density of dendritic spines. “Small protrusions found on nerve cells which aid in the transmission of information between neurons. Chronic stress and depression are known to reduce the number of these neuronal connections.” If psilocybin can create larger and stronger neural connections, the potential for treating depression and creating lasting change improves significantly.
While “there have been no research studies in humans showing that LSD can treat allergies of any kind” one patent application hopes that one day LSD will be able to treat food allergies. The article references a story about a claim (not research- or evidence-based) that LSD cured a lifelong cat allergy and goes into more detail about the patent process and what might stand in the way of this one getting approved. “It’s based on luck.” And it’s another entrant to the race to patent psychedelics.
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss how to integrate a psychedelic experience into everyday life.
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer are joined by Derick Moody, PA-C, to discuss the role that the inner healing intelligence plays in psychedelic medicine.
In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss the historically messy relationship between spirituality and modern psychiatry and the role that psychedelics are playing in a spiritual renaissance.
The Podcast is hosted by Novamind’s Dr. Stephen Thayer, Clinical Director, Education & Training and Dr. Reid Robison, Chief Medical Officer. Weekly Podcast episodes feature conversations between Dr. Thayer and Dr. Robison about issues that are of special interest to the psychedelic medicine and research community.
“Psychedelics are the next frontier of psychiatric medicine, and we’re helping professionals learn more about our specialized practice with actionable information. The need for specialized tools in mental healthcare has never been greater,” said Dr. Thayer.
Zoe Boyer writes about her lifelong struggle with depression: “Over the years I tried every available treatment. I stayed in psychiatric hospitals, underwent years of therapy and tried a pharmacy’s worth of antidepressants, but my condition never improved. One day, I stumbled across an article on the use of ketamine as a promising treatment for severe, unresponsive depression.” After four sessions, everything changed. “When my brother got his first pair of glasses, he marveled that he could see individual leaves on trees. Ketamine felt a lot like that. To be in awe of simple pleasures felt like reason enough to live, and I was overcome with a quiet revelation: this is what it means to be content.” Zoe’s story is similar to many who have had life changing experiences with Ketamine. We see it every day at our Cedar Psychiatry clinics. This video shares the stories of just a few of the thousands of patients we’ve treated.
How one state senator’s bill to decriminalize psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, DMT, mescaline and ibogaine is gaining steam in California. Former army rangers and marine corps veterans are quoted about how psychedelics offered them something they found nowhere else: hope and lasting change. “I will say this unequivocally psychedelics have, and will, save veteran lives.”
Green Market Report covers our strategic investment of $1 million in a Stealth Mode Drug Development Company. Psychedellux recaps the top business stories in the psychedelic medicine industry.
Last week we announced a strategic investment of $1 million in a stealth mode drug development company based in the United States.
Report on Psychedelics covers our Frontline KAP program, which addresses a glaring need for innovative mental health solutions to provide treatment to healthcare workers suffering stress and trauma caused by Covid-19.
COVID-19 put a toll on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers. Novamind and the Wholeness Center will launch a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy protocol, in Utah and Colorado.
Dr. Thielking will oversee all aspects of the Company’s investigator-led studies, originating within Novamind’s best-in-class research sites, and leveraging its contract research organization (CRO) expertise to pursue additional clinical trial mandates from leading psychedelic drug developers.
“Advancing clinical research for psychedelic medicine to address treatment-resistant mental illnesses and supporting patients by developing novel approaches to care for underserved conditions like cancer-related depression, is the next step in my life’s work,” said Dr. Thielking.
It’s a lawsuit that may be more of an “educational vehicle” for the Justice Department and the DEA than a legal battle. Under Washington state’s Right to Try law, Erinn Baldeschwiler should have the right to use psilocybin therapeutically, but the DEA has denied her request. Baldeschwiler may only have two years left and doesn’t want those years to be marred by depression. This case could set a precedent for the future “if the case passes, the next doctor and patient who want access to psilocybin for end-of-life distress shouldn’t need to take it to court again.” We understand the positive impact psychedelic medicine can have and will watch this case closely as we prepare to bring more psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies to the world. This week, Novamind announced Dr. Paul Thielking as Chef Scientific Officer. Dr. Thielking will lead the development of Novamind’s psychedelic therapy protocols for conditions including cancer-related depression and end-of-life anxiety, available as treatments for clients and educational programs for clinicians.
Could changing the approach to the medical model transform the way we treat people? It’s a concept Natasha Fearnley believes in. “I’m beginning to guide them [people] through their journey. And I can’t imagine doing that without ever having any psychedelic experience.” TheraPsil agrees. “The non-profit believes that in order for healthcare professionals to deliver this “unique therapeutic modality” it’s essential that they undergo their own psilocybin journeys and guide their peers through the psilocybin therapy process.”
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 12:18 PM on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021
Strategic focus on developing and delivering psychedelic medicines to treat Addiction.
Strong psychedelic drug development pipeline targeting Addiction.
First mover advantage for clinics in the UK and the EU with 400m people and CAD$25TR GDP.
The leading research and clinical team in the industry focused on using psychedelics to treat Addiction.
Multiple scalable revenue streams across drug development and clinical delivery.
Toronto, Ontario–(June 23, 2021) – Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (“Awakn” or the “Company“) a biotechnology company with clinical operations developing, and delivering psychedelic medicines to treat Addiction, is pleased to announce it will begin trading today, June 23, 2021, on the NEO Exchange Inc. (the “NEO”) under the symbol “AWKN”.
“Listing on the NEO is an important milestone for Awakn to continue to build on our dual strategic focus of developing psychedelic drugs, therapies, and enabling technologies to treat Addiction, and delivering psychedelic treatments for Addiction in our clinics,” said Awakn CEO, Anthony Tennyson. “The NEO listing will enable us to accelerate the execution of our drug discovery, therapy development, advanced analytics, and open clinic roll out programs.”
The listing follows the successful completion of the previously announced reverse takeover of a Canadian public company, 2835517 Ontario Ltd., by Toronto-based Awakn Life Sciences Inc. The public company was subsequently renamed Awakn Life Sciences Corp. in connection with the reverse takeover and the listing on the NEO. Additionally, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately USD$8.3 million through a brokered private placement.
Awakn engaged Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Eight Capital as co-lead agent and joint bookrunners to complete the brokered financing. In connection with the transaction, 2835517 Ontario Ltd. was de-listed from the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange.
A filing statement with information about Awakn prepared in accordance with the policies of the NEO is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Awakn Life Sciences
Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company with clinical operations, researching, developing, and delivering psychedelic medicine to better treat Addiction. Awakn’s team consists of world leading chemists, scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are developing and advancing the next generation of psychedelic drugs, therapies, and enabling technologies to treat Addiction. Awakn will also deliver evidence backed psychedelic therapies for Addiction in clinics in the UK and Europe and through licencing partnerships globally.
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targets” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating to the proposed NEO listing, and the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.
Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include: whether conditions to the listing on NEO will be satisfied; the business plans and strategies of the Company, the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.
Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company’s and Awakn’s securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
Investor Enquiries: KCSA Strategic Communications Valter Pinto / Tim Regan Phone: +1 (212) 896-1254 [email protected]
Media Enquiries: America and Canada: KCSA Strategic Communications Anne Donohoe [email protected]
Rest of World: ROAD Communications Paul Jarman / Anna Ramsey [email protected]
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 12:14 PM on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021
To understand Awakn you first have to understand that …. Psychedelics are going to go through a parabolic, paradigm shifting growth in the next 5 years because of their ability to treat anxiety, depression and addiction … amongst other things Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company with clinical operations developing, and delivering psychedelic medicine to better treat Addiction.
Awakn has a dual strategic focus:
Development: Research & developing the next generation of psychedelic drugs, therapies, and enabling technologies to better treat Addiction.
Delivery: Awakn will deliver evidence backed psychedelic therapies for Addiction in clinics in the UK and Europe and through licensing partnerships globally.
Notable Highlights include:
Strategic focus on better treating Addiction with psychedelics.
World leading team focused on psychedelic drug and therapy research.
Strong drug and therapy development pipeline, specifically targeting Addiction.
Clinics, which will be the UK and EU’s leading medical psychedelic therapy delivery
Closed $8.3M June 8
BRAND NEW LISTING … commencing trading on NEO
Sit back, relax and watch this powerful interview with CEO Anthony Tennyson.
